Level 21. These two classes made up the [Lord] of Afiele. He was sworn to tend to the land. And defend it. Of late, it seemed like the latter was all he was good at. Lantal certainly hadn’t made Afiele richer, or given his children or wife the life they deserved.

It preyed on him, even as he ordered more [Scouts] to find that [Necromancer] who’d escaped. One could not be allowed to prey on the people of Noelictus. The Countess of Ovela herself had sent a letter to Lantal ordering him to find the [Necromancer] or be held accountable. And her brother, the Earl of Ovela, had sent…the same letter, just worded differently a day later.

“I can’t find them, Risel. I’ll swear, he’s fled Noelictus and gone into Ailendamus. We’re right along the border. I’ve asked our neighbors to join in the search, but they’re uncooperative as usual.”

“With how much the Twins quarrel with Ailendamus, do you blame them?”

Risel was fixing a torn sleeve. Culin had ripped it on his escapades yesterday. Lantal had missed the punishment—which had involved custard. He’d been sorry about that, but he’d been riding to kill an undead cow who’d managed to kill a bull as well.

That had been a difficult task, as well as burning the corpses. Lantal sighed as he made himself ready for another painful exchange with the clearly-bored [Princess]. She was quite polite; he had been given to understand that Calanfer’s royalty could be…difficult at times. But she was a very understanding guest.

“No. But [Necromancers] are everyone’s problem. If I could get more people searching…do you think Princess Seraphel would allow us to use her Thronebearers?”

“I doubt it. They’re here to guard her, Lantal. And they’re not exactly…unobtrusive.”

Both [Lord] and [Lady] smiled at that. The gilded [Knights] made the eye water, they were so bright.

Lantal sighed after a second though; another problem.

“They’re occupying the training courtyard. Meltain says they’re a royal pain. And that they’ve insulted the others several times.”

“I don’t doubt it. They’re [Knights], Lantal.”

“But we saved them from the undead attack! They know we can fight!”

Risel glanced up from her thread and needle towards the one luxury in the keep; the balcony. It wasn’t standard for keeps, obviously, but Afiele hadn’t been besieged in decades and a stout wooden door made it safe. But you could stand outside and take in the air. Of course…if Lantal walked out now, he’d just see the [Knights] training.

“I believe that’s the issue. Their pride has been wounded. The Thronebearers aren’t exactly combat veterans.”

“Really? I thought all [Knights] were.”